T Ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning

**2112** · 10-12-2006, 02:53 PM

T-ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning
Thursday, October 12, 2006

By Moustafa Ayad, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A youth league baseball coach convicted of getting one of his players to injure a teammate was sentenced to one to six years in prison today.

Mark Downs Jr.

Fayette County Judge Ralph Warman said the actions by Mark Downs Jr., of Dunbar, in June 2005 were "outrageous" and "extremely reprehensible" because he was coaching a league of children 7 to 9 years old.

Testimony indicated Mr. Downs promised $25 to one of his best players if he hurled a ball at Harry Bowers Jr., 11, an autistic and mildly reeruned teammate, presumably to keep him from playing in a game.

A jury convicted Mr. Downs last month of corruption of minors and conspiracy to commit simple assault.

Judge Warman sentenced him to six months to three years on each count.

Mr. Downs didn't say anything during this afternoon's sentencing hearing. But as he was led away, he replied "Yes" when asked if he thought the sentence was too harsh.

Judge Warman could have sentenced him to up to 12 years.

Mr. Downs' bond was revoked and he was taken to jail to await transfer to a state prison.

Mr. Downs' family, including his wife, a 6-week-old baby and three other children were in the courtroom for part of the hearing. But the three older children were hurried out before the actual sentencing.

Jennifer Bowers, mother of the injured player, said the sentencing ends a chapter in the story. "Hopefully we can close the book on this," she said, but added her son still doesn't understand what happened
__________________

**2112** · 10-12-2006, 02:55 PM

What a jerkoff this guy is!!!!

B2chiefsfan · 10-12-2006, 03:05 PM

He's about to get a butt beaning........

Spott · 10-12-2006, 03:06 PM

It's a little obvious if one of your players gets beaned when they are playing Tee-Ball.

BIG_DADDY · 10-12-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spott

It's a little obvious if one of your players gets beaned when they are playing Tee-Ball.

LOL

B2chiefsfan · 10-12-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spott

It's a little obvious if one of your players gets beaned when they are playing Tee-Ball.

They should make him sit on the Tee for the next 1-6 years....

Chiefnj · 10-12-2006, 03:08 PM

Per ESPN:

The maximum sentence for the Downs' crimes is five years in prison, but under Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines he likely faces only probation when he's sentenced Oct. 12 because he is not known to have a criminal record.

Plus, in jail he wouldn't be able to earn money to pay for any damages in a future civil suit.

**Rain Man** · 10-12-2006, 03:13 PM

The guy's an idiot, but that sentence is way too harsh. He should've been fined, given a couple of nights in jail, and banned from coaching again.

Kyle401 · 10-12-2006, 03:16 PM

He deserved it. Paying someone to hurt another person is a criminal act.

I wonder if anyone will sue that WV HS football coach who went no huddle in the second half to set the HS rushing record? I'll bet that a civil suit for emotional/psychological distress would be successful.

Mr. Laz · 10-12-2006, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

The guy's an idiot, but that sentence is way too harsh. He should've been fined, given a couple of nights in jail, and banned from coaching again.

that's exactly what he's getting

1-6 years for a 1st time offender = no jail time and probation

maybe ... a long shot, he gets 120 day call back and spends 4 months in jail.

civil suit should give him an anal reaming though

BIG_DADDY · 10-12-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

The guy's an idiot, but that sentence is way too harsh. He should've been fined, given a couple of nights in jail, and banned from coaching again.

Agreed, that's just friggen ridiculous. Just tie him up like a pinata and let the Autistic kid practice his swing. DONE

This probably falls under one of those ridiculous new felony laws they like to throw on for good measure like reckless endangerment.

BIG_DADDY · 10-12-2006, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle401

He deserved it. Paying someone to hurt another person is a criminal act.

I wonder if anyone will sue that WV HS football coach who went no huddle in the second half to set the HS rushing record? I'll bet that a civil suit for emotional/psychological distress would be successful.

I think the government should force everyone to wear skirts and skip instead of walk. Our judicial branch in this country has been out of hand for some time now. We lock up a higher percentage of our population than any other country in the world. Welcome to America the land of the free. Give me a break.

mdstu · 10-12-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

I think the government should force everyone to wear skirts and skip instead of walk. Our judicial branch in this country has been out of hand for some time now. We lock up a higher percentage of our population than any other country in the world. Welcome to America the land of the free. Give me a break.

You are right IMO.

But this is mostly due to the ridiculous drug enforcement laws and not due to the laws we have about adults assaulting handicapped children because they want to win a T-ball game.

I could be wrong though.

Brock · 10-12-2006, 03:44 PM

I don't think it's anything to make a felon out of anybody over.

Duck Dog · 10-12-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

Per ESPN:

The maximum sentence for the Downs' crimes is five years in prison, but under Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines he likely faces only probation when he's sentenced Oct. 12 because he is not known to have a criminal record.

Plus, in jail he wouldn't be able to earn money to pay for any damages in a future civil suit.

That's sounds about right for the crime. Well, that and a good 'ol fashion ass whoopin.

10-12-2006, 02:53 PM
2112 Reset Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8516765	T Ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning T-ball coach gets 1-6 years for ordering beaning Thursday, October 12, 2006 By Moustafa Ayad, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A youth league baseball coach convicted of getting one of his players to injure a teammate was sentenced to one to six years in prison today. Mark Downs Jr. Fayette County Judge Ralph Warman said the actions by Mark Downs Jr., of Dunbar, in June 2005 were "outrageous" and "extremely reprehensible" because he was coaching a league of children 7 to 9 years old. Testimony indicated Mr. Downs promised $25 to one of his best players if he hurled a ball at Harry Bowers Jr., 11, an autistic and mildly reeruned teammate, presumably to keep him from playing in a game. A jury convicted Mr. Downs last month of corruption of minors and conspiracy to commit simple assault. Judge Warman sentenced him to six months to three years on each count. Mr. Downs didn't say anything during this afternoon's sentencing hearing. But as he was led away, he replied "Yes" when asked if he thought the sentence was too harsh. Judge Warman could have sentenced him to up to 12 years. Mr. Downs' bond was revoked and he was taken to jail to await transfer to a state prison. Mr. Downs' family, including his wife, a 6-week-old baby and three other children were in the courtroom for part of the hearing. But the three older children were hurried out before the actual sentencing. Jennifer Bowers, mother of the injured player, said the sentencing ends a chapter in the story. "Hopefully we can close the book on this," she said, but added her son still doesn't understand what happened __________________
Posts: 22,061

10-12-2006, 03:05 PM	#3
B2chiefsfan Too Many Energy Drinks!!!! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: New Mexico Casino cash: $10004900	He's about to get a butt beaning........ __________________ *I got news for you, pal. You ain't leading but two things right now: Jack and Sht. And, Jack left town.**
Posts: 1,751

10-12-2006, 03:06 PM	#4
Spott Court Jester Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Orlando Casino cash: $2912400	It's a little obvious if one of your players gets beaned when they are playing Tee-Ball.
Posts: 19,735

10-12-2006, 03:08 PM	#7
Chiefnj MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Willis, Harris and Davis. Casino cash: $10004900	Per ESPN: The maximum sentence for the Downs' crimes is five years in prison, but under Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines he likely faces only probation when he's sentenced Oct. 12 because he is not known to have a criminal record. Plus, in jail he wouldn't be able to earn money to pay for any damages in a future civil suit. __________________ "I always tell (the assistant coaches), 'Make it simple, 'cause I'm stupid,'" Edwards said. "This ain't computer football." Herm Edwards, 3-20-07 Q: Herm, back on December 25th you were asked if Trent Green was your starter going into next season and you said, ‘yeah, why wouldn’t he be?’ Have you changed your mind on that? EDWARDS: No, I have not.” (1-11-07)
Posts: 6,811

10-12-2006, 03:13 PM	#8
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3148491 VARSITY	The guy's an idiot, but that sentence is way too harsh. He should've been fined, given a couple of nights in jail, and banned from coaching again. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
Posts: 141,579

10-12-2006, 03:16 PM	#9
Kyle401 1st Round Bust Join Date: Feb 2005 Casino cash: $10004900	He deserved it. Paying someone to hurt another person is a criminal act. I wonder if anyone will sue that WV HS football coach who went no huddle in the second half to set the HS rushing record? I'll bet that a civil suit for emotional/psychological distress would be successful. __________________ Adopt a Chief: Eric "Bench Warmer" Hicks - AKA Hali's Towel Boy
Posts: 788

10-12-2006, 03:44 PM	#14
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	I don't think it's anything to make a felon out of anybody over.
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